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"We’re here, we exist": Sidon’s poets break new ground

Musicians and poets are challenging social norms in Sidon, Lebanon’s conservative third-largest city.
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SIDON, Lebanon — In a brightly lit meeting room at Ishbilia Theater and Art-Hub in Sidon a young woman fought back tears as she read a deeply personal poem about death, depression and remembrance.

“I knew this day would come, but I did not expect it to be so soon,” she recited. “I can still hear your guitar strumming as I lock myself up in my room.”

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